Jack de Belin says he'd handle future State of Origin campaigns differently if given the chance after admitting St George Illawarra are suffering a representative hangover.
De Belin was among the most battered and bruised from this year's Origin series as he required pain-killing injections in his hip to play.
But it was mentally where he was left the most fatigued.
Although he took days off from club training, the Dragons lock played through the representative period without a break,
But de Belin said in hindsight he needed to let his mind rest more to leave himself mentally fresher for the run home to the finals.
"I've learnt a lot the past couple of months," the 27-year-old said..
"I've never had so much footy going on in my life, it was kind of a footy overload.
"I have other interests, it gets hard there when everything's footy, you've got so many media commitments, you're forever hearing, talking about it, it gets a little bit hard.
"It's not necessarily (about resting). Just when I'm not at footy, just don't be thinking about it at all, just completely switch off."
De Belin's story mirrors that of the Dragons' recent fortunes.
"Obviously throughout Origin period it was hard, even still now, you look at our squad and there's probably a bit of a hangover happening," de Belin said.
"But at the same time, there can't be any excuses for that.
"Every other club's in the same situation we're in, everyone's got to do it, it's just a matter of putting your hand up and getting it done."
But de Belin is confident the big-game experience would pay off come finals, where the Dragons are still aiming for a top-four spot.
"I don't think anyone comes back to NRL a worse player after playing Origin," he said.
"We showed we can perform on the biggest stage, hopefully that can come back to benefit us."
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